Maresca: Palmer and Fofana Fit for Everton Clash

Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Cole Palmer and Wesley Fofana will both be available for Chelsea’s Premier League meeting with Everton on Saturday, offering the Blues a timely boost as they search for their first league win since last month’s trip to Burnley.

Palmer, who recently returned from a six‑week layoff caused by groin problems and a broken toe, was left out of the midweek Champions League defeat to Atalanta as part of his managed recovery.

Maresca said the midfielder completed training with ‘mixed feelings’ but is fit enough to feature.

Fofana, forced off in Bergamo after suffering an eye injury, has also trained fully and is expected to be involved at Stamford Bridge.

However, striker Liam Delap will miss the next two to four weeks after injuring his shoulder during last weekend’s goalless draw with Bournemouth.

Maresca admitted the club is still unsure exactly how long his recovery will take.

Chelsea head into the weekend winless in four matches and struggling to rediscover the rhythm that saw them win nine of 11 games across all competitions between late September and November, a run that included a commanding 3–0 victory over Barcelona.

Maresca said the team’s next challenge is developing consistency, acknowledging that dips in performance are inevitable over a long season but stressing the importance of learning from setbacks.